The HAPA Malaysia Awards Series 2018-2020 Gala Dinner, held at the New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, and graced by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ahmad Shah Hussein Tambakau, Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, celebrated its purpose – to recognise and reward outstanding establishments and individuals who have shown extraordinary drive, the passion for excellence and commitment to the industry.
Among the dignitaries present at the prestigious HAPA Awards Gala Dinner was His Excellency, Guido F. Loayza, the Ambassador of Peru, representing Peru as one of the event partners.
Since its inception in 2002, the HAPA Awards, known as the ‘Oscars of Hospitality’, has been designed to set the excellence benchmark, taking the hospitality industry to greater heights. These awards not only celebrate the leaders and entrepreneurs of hospitality but also the unsung heroes and the back-of-house professionals.
The HAPA Malaysia Awards Series 2018-2020 recognises Benchmark Achievers as well as the three Most Outstanding Achievers for each category. The five main award categories, namely the Cream of Hospitality, Heavens of Hospitality, Flavours of Hospitality, Passions of Hospitality and Hospitality from the Heart, encompass 28 awards from over 120 nominees.
In addition, the inaugural HAPA Entrepreneur Awards Series 2018-2019 recognised the boldness, passion and resilience of 14 entrepreneurs in 12 Business Excellence categories including two prime categories – HAPA Entrepreneur of the Year and HAPA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The adjudication of the HAPA Entrepreneur Awards was conducted by panel interviews of nominees.
Charity has always been a significant part of HAPA, as a form of giving back to society. The HAPA Awards donates the nett proceeds of the event to charity. Since 2002, more than 15 charities in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have benefited from more than half a million ringgit raised from the Awards Series. It particularly recognises the achievements of children victoriously battling cancer at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Childhood Cancer Unit.
The HAPA Awards succeeds through the valuable endorsement of Malaysia, Singapore and the region’s leading professional hospitality associations and chapters. It also received valued support from its main sponsors and numerous associate sponsors and partners.
The Awards Series uses a Mystery Judge Audit where expert judges carry out incognito on-site inspections followed up with one-on-one interviews and food tasting sessions with nominated personalities. The awards are a platform for hospitality players to gauge themselves on a merit-based system based upon their performance and the willingness to go the extra mile in service excellence.
The Awards Series have expanded to the HAPA Regional Awards Series in six neighbouring countries, namely Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Both HAPA Malaysia and HAPA Regional occur once in three years. Entries for the HAPA Regional Awards Series 2020 – 2022 are now open.
HAPA MALAYSIA AWARDS SERIES 2018 – 2020
WINNERS LIST
MAJOR AWARDS
CREAM OF HOSPITALITY HAPA® SERVICE EXCELLENCE – BEYOND EXPECTATIONS (HOTEL/RESORT)
MOST OUTSTANDING
New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, Selangor
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – Kinabalu Park, Sabah
The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Genting Grand, Pahang
Japamala Resort, Pahang
Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Maxims Hotel, Pahang
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
HAPA SERVICE EXCELLENCE – BEYOND EXPECTATIONS (RESTAURANT)
MOST OUTSTANDING
Kayu Puti Langkawi, The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
Marble 8, Kuala Lumpur
Naughty Nuri’s, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Dancing Fish, Kuala Lumpur
DC Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur
Ekkamai @ Plaza Batai, Kuala Lumpur
Ishin Japanese Dining, Kuala Lumpur
La Fiesta, Skyavenue, Pahang
Li Yen, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Ltitude Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, Genting Club, Pahang
Marini’s on 57, Kuala Lumpur
NADODI, Kuala Lumpur
Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
Savini Ristorante Italiano & Lounge, Kuala Lumpur
Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Kedah
Shanghai, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
HAPA HOTEL/RESORT OF THE YEAR – EXTRAORDINARY STAY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Japamala Resort, Pahang
Maxims Hotel, Pahang
The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
G Hotel Kelawai, Penang
Genting Grand, Pahang
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
HAPA RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – DESTINATION RESTAURANT
MOST OUTSTANDING
DC Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur
Marble 8, Kuala Lumpur
NADODI, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Babe, Kuala Lumpur
Beta, Kuala Lumpur
Burger & Lobster, Skyavenue, Pahang
Dancing Fish, Kuala Lumpur
Jala Restaurant, The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
Marini’s on 57, Kuala Lumpur
Nobu Kuala Lumpur
Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA GENERAL MANAGER – THE AMBASSADOR OF HOSPITALITY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Andreas Knüssi, Hotel Equatorial Penang
Jai Kishan, New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, Selangor
Michael Hanratty, G Hotel Kelawai, Penang
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Kartik Kumar, Nadodi, Kuala Lumpur
Raj Kumar, The Light Hotel Penang
HAPA LEADERSHIP PERSONALITY – LEADERSHIP IN HOSPITALITY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Mandy Chew, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Mondi Mecja, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Nick Ng, Ambassador Row, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA ICON OF HOSPITALITY
Dato Edward Holloway, Executive Vice President
– Leisure and Hospitality, Resorts World Genting
HAPA F&B PERSONALITY – CHAMPION OF INNOVATION
MOST OUTSTANDING
Gerard Walker, Skyavenue, Pahang
Lee Teck Kuan, Impressoul Gastrology, Kuala Lumpur
Peter Khor, Naughty Nuri’s, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Akshar Chalwadi, NADODI, Kuala Lumpur
Devakumar Subramaniam, Genting Grand, Pahang
Hans Gill, Tiki Taka, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA KING OF KITCHENS – THE AMBASSADOR OF CUISINE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Chef Alexander Chong, New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, Selangor
Chef Antoine Rodriguez, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Chef Jeff Ramsey, Babe, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Chef Eddy Wong, Naughty Nuri’s, Kuala Lumpur
Chef James Ho, Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
Chef Kamarul Akmal Bin Kamarudin, Take Eat Easy Gastrocafe KL
HAPA CLUB OF THE YEAR – BEST ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT
MOST OUTSTANDING
360 Bar @ Genting Club, Pahang
Play Club @ The Roof, Selangor
Zouk Club @ TREC, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA BAR OF THE YEAR – BEST HANGOUT
MOST OUTSTANDING
Marini’s on 57, Kuala Lumpur
Suzie Wong, Kuala Lumpur
Rock Bottom Kitchen + Bar, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Arena Bar, Kuala Lumpur
Sutraa Kitchen + Bar, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
WIP, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA SPA OF THE YEAR – HEAVENLY EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
aVi Spa, Avillion Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Spa Village Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Swasana Spa, Impiana KLCC Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Hammam Spa, Kuala Lumpur
Jari Jari Spa, Sabah
M-Spa, Genting Grand, Pahang
HAPA GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR – EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Selangor
Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Johor
The Mines Resort and Golf Club, Selangor
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Selangor
HEAVENS OF HOSPITALITY
HAPA 5-STAR HOTEL/RESORT – EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Maxims Hotel, Pahang
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
G Hotel Kelawai, Penang
Genting Grand, Pahang
Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
New World Petaling Jaya Hotel, Selangor
The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
HAPA 4-STAR HOTEL/RESORT – EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor
Hotel Tenera, Selangor
Olive Tree Hotel, Penang
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Aloft Kuala Lumpur
HAPA FAMILY & RECREATIONAL RESORT – DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Kedah
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Avillion Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
HAPA BOUTIQUE/CONCEPT HOTEL/RESORT – EXCEPTIONAL LIFESTYLE AND LIVING EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Japamala Resort, Pahang
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – Kinabalu Park, Sabah
Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
The Light Hotel Penang
FLAVOURS OF HOSPITALITY
HAPA ASIAN CUISINE RESTAURANT – FLAVOURS OF ASIA
MOST OUTSTANDING
Nobu Kuala Lumpur
Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
Shanghai, JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Beta, Kuala Lumpur
Dancing Fish, Kuala Lumpur
Ee Chinese Cuisine, Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Ishin Japanese Dining, Kuala Lumpur
Kota Dine & Coffee, Penang
Kura Japanese Restaurant, Selangor
Labu Sayong Signature, Ipoh, Perak
Li Yen, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
Nada Lama, Hotel Equatorial Penang
YEZI, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA WESTERN CUISINE RESTAURANT – FLAVOURS OF THE WEST
MOST OUTSTANDING
DC Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur
Marble 8, Kuala Lumpur
The Olive, Genting Grand, Pahang
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
La Fiesta, Skyavenue, Pahang
Pampas Sky Dining Malacca
Prime, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Savini Ristorante Italiano & Lounge, Kuala Lumpur
Signature, Kuala Lumpur
The Brasserie, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
Villa Danieli, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel
HAPA CASUAL DINING/ALL DAY DINING RESTAURANT – MOST CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Breakfast Thieves Kuala Lumpur
Burger & Lobster, Skyavenue, Pahang
Sushi Zento Japanese Restaurant, Selangor
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Beta, Kuala Lumpur
Bonfire Restaurant & Bar, Kuala Lumpur
Colonial Café, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
e18hteen Inspired Cuisine, Maxims Hotel, Pahang
LTITUDE Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, Genting Club, Pahang
Naughty Nuri’s, Kuala Lumpur
NICSMANN 1940s By Lewré, Kuala Lumpur
Skillet at 163 , Kuala Lumpur
Take Eat Easy Modern Bakery Café, Kuala Lumpur
The Social, Kuala Lumpur
Tide, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Kedah
WIP, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA CONCEPT DINING RESTAURANT – MOST INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Kayu Puti Langkawi, The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
NADODI, Kuala Lumpur
Naughty Nuri’s, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Babe, Kuala Lumpur
Burger & Lobster, Skyavenue, Pahang
Cedar On 15, Impiana KLCC Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Jala Restaurant, The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
PASSIONS OF HOSPITALITY
HAPA ASIAN CUISINE MASTERCHEF – MASTER OF AUTHENTICITY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Chef Alex Au, Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Chef James Ho, Ruyi & Lyn, Kuala Lumpur
Chef Sricharan Venkatesh, NADODI, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Chef Hi Weng Keong, Dancing Fish, Kuala Lumpur
Chef Nazrie Shaaban, Labu Sayong Signature, Ipoh, Perak
Chef Teo Kheng Soon, Ltitude Restaurant, Genting Club, Pahang
HAPA WESTERN CUISINE MASTERCHEF – MASTER OF FINE CUISINE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Chef Gaetan Biesuz, The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
Chef Mohd Radzuan Hamzah, Genting Grand, Pahang
Chef Raymond Tham Chee Theng, Skillet at 163, Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Chef Antoine Rodriguez, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Chef Kamarul Akmal Bin Kamarudin, Take Eat Easy Gastrocafe KL
Chef Law Yen Ni, MEATOLOGY Restaurant Bar & MYTH KL Bar, Kuala Lumpur
HAPA LOCAL CHEF – TRUE MALAYSIAN TASTE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Chef Jacky Yap Sak Choong, Genting Grand, Pahang
Chef Leong Tien Tiong, Skyavenue, Pahang
Chef Nazrie Shaaban, Labu Sayong Signature, Ipoh, Perak
HAPA PASTRY MASTERCHEF – CAPTAIN OF CREATIVITY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Chef Alan Yeong Wai Luen, Genting Grand, Pahang
Chef Cheoh Hooi Hooi, Farquhar Mansion Fine Dining & Lounge, Penang
Chef Mohammed Kamrul Hassan, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
HOSPITALITY FROM THE HEART
HAPA FRONT OFFICE EXCELLENCE – COURTEOUS EFFICIENCY
MOST OUTSTANDING
Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur
G Hotel Kelawai, Penang
Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur
BENCHMARK ACHIEVER
Japamala Resort, Pahang
The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
HAPA CONCIERGE EXCELLENCE – THE EXTRA MILE
MOST OUTSTANDING
Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
The St. Regis Langkawi, Kedah
HAPA HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE – AN ADDED TOUCH
MOST OUTSTANDING
Genting Grand, Pahang
Japamala Resort, Pahang
Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur
